U.S. patent application number 11/274001 was filed with the patent office on 2006-07-20 for first responder communications system.
Invention is credited to Raymond Burkley, Ignacio Carreto, John Cronin, Chuck Curran, Charles Mason, Gordon Taras.
Application Number | 20060158329 11/274001 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36683296 |
Filed Date | 2006-07-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060158329 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Burkley; Raymond ; et
al. |
July 20, 2006 |
First responder communications system
Abstract
A First Responder Communications System (FRCS), also referred to
as an Automated Incident Control System, is provided that supports
inter-agency and intra-agency communications among first responders
including fire, police, border patrol, emergency medical service,
safety, and/or other agencies. The FRCS also increases situational
awareness of personnel by automatically providing position
information as well as other sensor information. The FRCS also
provides position and time information via Global Positioning
System (GPS) and/or other positioning systems, and data from
deployed and/or personal sensors to provide enhanced
communications, command and control capabilities to the first
responders and incident command. The FRCS includes a heads up
display (HUD) including one or more LEDs or LCDs and a signal
receiver that attaches to a faceshield or windshield (shield) to
receive/display instructions via an electromagnetic or sonic signal
via a transmitter coupled to a computer or other source.
Inventors: |
Burkley; Raymond;
(Cupertino, CA) ; Mason; Charles; (Cupertino,
CA) ; Taras; Gordon; (Cupertino, CA) ; Curran;
Chuck; (Cupertino, CA) ; Carreto; Ignacio;
(Cupertino, CA) ; Cronin; John; (Cupertino,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
COURTNEY STANIFORD & GREGORY LLP
P.O. BOX 9686
SAN JOSE
CA
95157
US
|
Family ID: |
36683296 |
Appl. No.: |
11/274001 |
Filed: |
November 15, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10802571 |
Mar 17, 2004 |
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11274001 |
Nov 15, 2005 |
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10745345 |
Dec 23, 2003 |
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10802571 |
Mar 17, 2004 |
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|
10613489 |
Jul 2, 2003 |
7034678 |
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10745345 |
Dec 23, 2003 |
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60393693 |
Jul 2, 2002 |
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60395755 |
Jul 12, 2002 |
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60404055 |
Aug 15, 2002 |
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60628438 |
Nov 15, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
340/539.13 ;
370/254; 370/431; 370/464 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 76/50 20180201;
H04M 11/04 20130101; H04W 4/024 20180201; H04W 4/90 20180201; H04L
29/12009 20130101; H04W 4/029 20180201; H04L 61/00 20130101; H04W
4/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/539.13 ;
370/254; 370/431; 370/464 |
International
Class: |
G08B 1/08 20060101
G08B001/08; H04L 12/28 20060101 H04L012/28; H04J 15/00 20060101
H04J015/00 |
Claims
1. A communications system, comprising: a plurality of mobile
devices that each include a network subsystem and a positioning
subsystem, the network subsystem automatically assembling a
wireless network among the mobile devices using at least one of a
plurality of channels for information transfer and automatically
assigning at least one unique identification number to each mobile
device, wherein the network subsystem uses a primary channel of the
plurality of channels and automatically switches to use an
alternative channel of the plurality of channels in response to a
failure of the primary channel, the positioning subsystem
automatically generating position information of each mobile
device; and at least one control system coupled for information
transfer with the plurality of mobile devices, the control system
tracking and mapping individual positions of each mobile device
using the position information and identifying each mobile device
on the map using the identification number.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein communications among the mobile
devices and the control system occur using at least one of High
Frequency (HF) communications, Very High Frequency (VHF)
communications, Ultra High Frequency (UHF), microwave
communications, cellular communications, satellite communications,
and Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) communications.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the positioning subsystem
includes at least one of a Global Positioning System (GPS), a Radio
Frequency Identification/Direction Finding (RFID/DF) system, an
infrared (IR) system, an acoustic system, a triangulation system,
and a signaling system.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the information transfer includes
voice information, voice over internet protocol (VOIP), and
data.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the identification number is a
media access control (MAC) address, wherein the MAC address is
associated with routing packets having modified priorities, wherein
"all routing packets are high quality packets" ensuring higher
reliability between nodes".
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the control system further
comprises a graphical user interface (GUI) that displays the
individual positions of each mobile device on a three-dimensional
map.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the identification number is a
media access control (MAC) address, wherein location-based
multicast group Internet Protocol (IP) addressing is used to map
the individual positions of each mobile device within an incident
scene.
8. A portable communication device, comprising: a network system
that automatically assembles a wireless network among other
portable communication devices and control devices in an area and
automatically reads a unique preassigned identification number from
each portable communication device; a communication system that
receives and transmits voice and data communications over the
wireless network using at least one of High Frequency (HF)
communications, Very High Frequency (VHF) communications, Ultra
High Frequency (UHF)/microwave communications, cellular
communications, satellite communications, and Public Switched
Telephone Network (PSTN) communications; and a positioning system
that includes Global Positioning System (GPS) components and at
least one location sensor, the positioning system automatically
determining a position of the device periodically and automatically
transferring the position to at least one of the control devices
via the wireless network.
9. A method for automatically tracking and communicating among
mobile devices, comprising: automatically assembling a wireless
network among a plurality of mobile devices and control systems in
an area, wherein assembling includes adding mobile devices and
control systems to the wireless network as they arrive in the area
and removing mobile devices and control systems from the wireless
network as they depart the area; automatically activating a
portable processing device in response to vehicle start, wherein
the portable processing device is a radio frequency base unit and
the vehicle is an emergency response vehicle; receiving voice and
data communications at the portable processing device from each of
the mobile devices of the wireless network in response to the
automatic activating, wherein the data communications include
position and identification information of each mobile device of
the wireless network relative to a position of the portable
processing device; tracking a position and status of a mobile
device using the position and identification information; and
generating a map of an engagement and displaying individual
positions and identifications of each mobile device of the wireless
network using the position and identification information, wherein
at least one area of the map can be selected in order to focus on a
portion of an incident area and at least one responder team.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the mobile devices include at
least one two-way pager system for communications, wherein the
pager system provides at least one pre-programmed response to a
user for use in responding to received messages, wherein the
pre-programmed responses are reprogrammable.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein communications among the mobile
devices and the portable processing device are made via at least
one of High Frequency (HF) communications, Very High Frequency
(VHF) communications, Super High Frequency (SHF) communications,
Ultra High Frequency (UHF)/microwave communications, cellular
communications, satellite communications, public safety band
communications, and Public Switched Telephone Network. (PSTN)
communications.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the communications are
established on a primary channel to enable at least one of a mesh
network and an ultra wide band network (UWB).
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the communications are
established on at least one alternative channel when communication
on the primary channel fails, wherein use of the at least one
alternative channel is communicated to portable processing
device.
14. A portable device, comprising: a network system that
automatically assembles a wireless network among other portable
devices and control devices in a geographical area; an
identification system that automatically reads a unique
identification number from the portable communication device; a
communication system that receives and transmits data over the
wireless network via at least one of the other portable devices and
control devices using at least one of High Frequency (HF)
communications, Very High Frequency (VHF) communications, Super
High Frequency (SHF) communications, Ultra High Frequency
(UHF)/microwave communications, cellular communications, and
satellite communications; and a positioning system that includes
Global Positioning System (GPS) components and at least one
location sensor, the positioning system automatically determining a
position of the device periodically and automatically transferring
the position to at least one of the control devices via the
wireless network.
15. The device of claim 14, wherein the positioning system further
includes at least one of a Radio Frequency Identification/Direction
Finding (RFID/DF) system, an infrared (IR) system, an acoustic
system, a triangulation system, a signaling system, an
accelerometer-based system, a gyroscope-based system, and a
logic-based dead reckoning system.
16. The device of claim 14, further comprising at least one neural
logic algorithm that processes data of the logic-based dead
reckoning system for responder location and tracking.
17. The device of claim 14, further comprising at least one sensor,
wherein the sensor provides at least one of light, temperature,
biometric information, barometric data, and signal strength
data.
18. The device of claim 14, further comprising at least one of an
identification generator that generates the identification number
and an encoder subsystem that encodes data transferred among the
portable devices and the control devices.
19. A method for automatically communicating among mobile devices,
comprising: automatically assembling a wireless network among a
plurality of mobile devices and control systems in an area, wherein
assembling includes adding mobile devices and control systems to
the wireless network as they arrive in the area and removing mobile
devices and control systems from the wireless network as they
depart the area; automatically transferring data communications
among the mobile devices and the control systems, wherein the data
communications include packetized data of position and
identification information of each mobile device of the wireless
network; tracking a position and status of a mobile device using
the position and identification information; and generating a
display that includes a map displaying individual positions,
position tracks, and identifications of each mobile device using
the position and identification information.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising receiving sensor
data from at least one sensor of at least one mobile device.
21. The method of claim 20, further comprising: comparing the
sensor data with previously received data of the mobile devices;
generating predictions using results of the comparison, wherein the
predictions are predictions of progress of an engagement; and
displaying the generated predictions on the display.
22. The method of claim 20, further comprising a navigation system
that includes at least one indicator on at least one article of
equipment or clothing of a responder, wherein the navigation system
indicates at least one of a direction and movement of the
responder.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein at least one of an intensity
and an operating mode of the indicators can be changed by a remote
commander, wherein the indicators communicate at least one of
commands and instructions to the responder.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Patent
Application No. 60/628,438, filed Nov. 15, 2004. This application
also claims priority from and is a continuation-in-part application
of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/802,571, filed Mar. 17,
2005, which claims priority from and is a continuation-in-part
application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/745,345, filed
Dec. 23, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/613,489, filed Jul. 2, 2003, which
claims priority from U.S. Patent Application No. 60/393,693, filed
Jul. 2, 2002, U.S. Patent Application No. 60/395,755, filed Jul.
12, 2002, and U.S. Patent Application No. 60/404,055, filed Aug.
15, 2002.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The disclosed embodiments relate to wireless devices for
automated individual communication, tracking and
accountability.
BACKGROUND
[0003] First responders are organizations and personnel that
provide law enforcement, safety and protection services to the
public. The first responders include law enforcement officers like
police, sheriff, highway patrol, detectives, special law
enforcement, FBI, DEA, military personnel, border patrol, and
others. First responders also include fire and safety personnel,
for example, firefighters, emergency medical services personnel,
Red Cross personnel, hazmat, and other emergency workers.
[0004] The communications systems and associated command and
control capabilities used by first responders in responding to an
incident or other emergency are typically limited to agency-unique
communication frequencies and procedures. As a result, the various
different groups of personnel that respond to emergency incidents
(police and firefighters, for example) are unable to communicate
with each other. When different groups of first responders need to
communicate with each other at an incident they typically use
"runners" to relay information, or each group just performs their
respective tasks and operates without any type of unified
communication or operation. In some cases, inter-agency
communications occur by relaying information through the respective
dispatch centers. However, this is a very slow and inefficient way
of communicating. The lack of inter-operable communications between
on-scene agencies can result in ineffective coordination, often
with tragic results.
[0005] Further to the very limited communications capability,
adequate situational awareness is also lacking among the first
responder personnel and among various first responder teams because
there is no way to know the location of the various first
responders at the incident scene without constant monitoring of
voice communications. However, the lack of voice communications
among the different groups of first responders means that the only
situational awareness even available is that of the members of the
same agency.
[0006] Integral to the lack of situational awareness at an incident
site is the lack of an accurate system for maintaining personnel
accountability of the first responders at an incident site. The
typical methods used to maintain accountability of first response
personnel are manual methods. In each of these manual methods, the
principal is to use some physical means of identifying whether a
responder is present at the incident scene, and in some cases to
identify where the responder is assigned during the emergency.
Because these methods are manual, they do not provide a way to
accurately account for all first responder personnel at an incident
site, nor do they provide ways to track the actual location or
movement of first responder personnel around the incident site as
the emergency unfolds. Consequently, the incident command personnel
do not have detailed information on the location of the first
responders and can lose accountability of first responders. As an
example, the lack of intelligence at incident sites has resulted in
the loss of numerous firefighter personnel (over 100 per year in
every day fires) as well the injury of many others (many hundreds)
in fires because the incident commander was unaware of the
dangerous circumstances or lost accountability of individual
firefighters.
[0007] The lack of adequate intelligence information and
inter-agency communications at incident sites results in incident
commanders and first responder personnel that lack the detailed
information and situational awareness of the incident scene to
effectively respond to an emergency. The cascading effect typically
results in slower response times to emergencies and a much higher
level of risk for the first responders and incident victims.
Consequently, there is a need among first responders to have
accountability of, and interoperable communications among, all
responders at an incident site as well as a high level of
situational awareness for the first responders in order to provide
greater safety and more efficiency in the use of the resources at
the incident scene.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0008] Each publication, patent, and/or patent application
mentioned in this specification is herein incorporated by reference
in its entirety to the same extent as if each individual
publication and/or patent application was specifically and
individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an environment including First
Responder Communications Systems (FRCS), under an embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing components of the first
responder communications system, under the embodiment of FIG.
1.
[0011] FIG. 2A shows a FAAS emergency communications model 200,
under an embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a communications network
established among multiple first responder communications systems,
under an alternative embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIGS. 4/1 and 4/2 are a block diagram showing components of
the command and control system and field devices of the FRCS, under
the embodiment of FIG. 2.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the components of the command
and control system of the first responder communications system,
under the embodiment of FIG. 4.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a first responder portable
communication device, under the embodiment of FIG. 4.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the information flow from
a portable command terminal to a first responder portable
communication device, under the embodiment of FIG. 4.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the information flow from
a first responder portable communication device to a portable
command terminal, under the embodiment of FIG. 4.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of communication message handling
in the first responder communications system, under the embodiment
of FIG. 4.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of message routing in the first
responder communications system, under the embodiment of FIG.
9.
[0020] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of message parsing in the first
responder communications system, under the embodiment of FIG.
9.
[0021] FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of message route path
determination in the first responder communications system, under
the embodiment of FIG. 9.
[0022] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram of message cueing in the first
responder communications system, under the embodiment of FIG.
9.
[0023] FIG. 14 is a flow diagram for storing messages in the first
responder communications system, under the embodiment of FIG.
9.
[0024] FIG. 15 is a flow diagram for handling synchronization
(sync) messages in the first responder communications system, under
the embodiments of FIGS. 9 and 14.
[0025] FIG. 16 is a flow diagram for self-configuring a network
including the first responder communications system, under the
embodiment of FIG. 9.
[0026] FIGS. 17 and 18 are flow diagrams for self-configuring a
command and control hierarchy in the first responder communications
system, under the embodiment of FIG. 9.
[0027] FIG. 19 shows flow diagrams for handling "path found" and
"alert" messages in the first responder communications system,
under the embodiment of FIG. 9.
[0028] FIG. 20 is a flow diagram for processing received messages
in the first responder communications system, under the embodiment
of FIG. 19.
[0029] FIG. 21 is a flow diagram for performing text-to-voice
message conversion in the first responder communications system,
under the embodiment of FIG. 19.
[0030] FIG. 22 is a flow diagram for sensor timer checks in the
first responder communications system, under the embodiment of FIG.
19.
[0031] FIG. 23 is a flow diagram for updating data crumbs in the
first responder communications system, under the embodiment of FIG.
19.
[0032] FIG. 24 is a flow diagram for processing data crumbs in the
first responder communications system, under the embodiment of FIG.
19.
[0033] FIG. 25 is a flow diagram for sending data crumbs in the
first responder communications system, under the embodiment of FIG.
19.
[0034] FIG. 26 is a flow diagram for processing keyword information
of messages in the first responder communications system, under the
embodiment of FIG. 9.
[0035] FIG. 27 is a flow diagram for user interface (UI) message
parsing in the first responder communications system, under the
embodiment of FIG. 9.
[0036] FIG. 28 is a flow diagram for graphical user interface (GUI)
message parsing in the first responder communications system, under
the embodiments of FIGS. 9 and 26.
[0037] FIG. 29 is a flow diagram for text user interface message
parsing in the first responder communications system, under the
embodiments of FIGS. 9 and 26.
[0038] FIG. 30 is a flow diagram for audio user interface message
parsing in the first responder communications system, under the
embodiments of FIGS. 9 and 26.
[0039] FIGS. 31 and 32 are flow diagrams for graphical user
interface (GUI) updating in the first responder communications
system, under the embodiment of FIG. 9.
[0040] FIG. 33 shows a firefighter's headgear including a helmet
and shield with representative indicators that display or project
symbols of the HUD on the shield, under an embodiment.
[0041] In the drawings, the same reference numbers identify
identical or substantially similar elements or acts.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0042] A First Responder Communications System (FRCS), also
referred to as an Automated Incident Control System, is provided
that supports inter-agency and intra-agency communications among
first responders including fire, police, border patrol, emergency
medical service, safety, and/or other agencies. The FRCS of an
embodiment includes a Firefighter Automated Accountability System
(FAAS) and Mobile Incident Accountability System (MIAS) or the
Facility Incident Accountability System (FIAS) but is not so
limited.
[0043] The FAAS satisfies the urgent need in modern day fire
fighting to provide total situational awareness for the Fire
Captain/Battalion Chief (incident commander) in order to provide
greater safety and more efficiency in the use of the resources at
the incident scene. Over 300 responders are killer each year and
over 150,000 responders are injured each year, with about half of
the injuries and deaths occurring at, or as a result of, an
incident. The FRCS provides a family of system solutions to improve
the safety and increase the situational awareness at the incident
site. The first of these systems is the FAAS. The FAAS can increase
safety for the responders, provide greater understanding of the
total situation at the incident site, improve use of all resources
available at the incident site, with corresponding cost benefits
for extending automated location and tracking technology to the
firefighters. Currently, GPS type tracking technology is limited to
tracking vehicles (with human resources inside), but has yet to be
extended to individuals outside of the vehicle, especially in
buildings or in dense forest areas. The FAAS uses GPS-type tracking
technology to extend the location and tracking of individuals like
responders to all areas, inside and outside structures, at the
incident site.
[0044] The FAAS offers hands free operation that allows
firefighters to continue the utilization of their existing
equipment and procedures at the incident scene. The FAAS also
enables devices on the firefighter to automatically provide more
intelligence to the incident commander and to other responders at
the incident scene, which can result in greater safety and better
utilization of the available resources. Furthermore, the FAAS
provides interoperable voice and data communications for all
Responders carrying a FAAS device at the incident site so that the
incident commander and all responders have two-way interoperable
communications within the incident area. The other versions of the
responder accountability system, including the MIAS and the
Facility Incident Accountability System (FIAS) are based on the
same principals as the FAAS with the types of additional sensors
and the incident awareness software adjusted for the particular
type of incident activity.
[0045] The FAAS provides a self-configuring wireless mesh network
among fire responders and local incident chiefs to track movement
and location of all firefighters at the incident scene, as
described below. Each FAAS device or unit is a rugged wearable
clip-on device that communicates with a unique identification (ID)
to other units and incident control. The FAAS complements and/or
replaces the manual accountability system currently in use by
responders. The features of the FAAS include but are not limited to
the following: low cost, light-weight clip-on device, fully
automatic operation, program operates on fire captain's laptop,
automatically locates and tracks all firefighters, provides
interoperable communications at the incident scene, enables
alerting or area evacuation notification by the fire captain,
records all local tactical voice communications, records all
firefighter incident activities, and stores and retrieves fire
fighting procedures.
[0046] The MIAS is a family of mobile voice and data communications
systems and related products to help first responder personnel
control and manage all types of incident and emergency situations
with more knowledge and faster response. The MIAS can provide
incident commanders and behind-the-scene supervisors/elected
officials with real-time perspective and incident knowledge,
enabling the ability to respond faster, with resource anticipation
and to operate with a higher degree of safety than is currently
possible. The MIAS is a relatively low cost, integrated mobile
communications system, that includes a command and control unit,
handsets and sensors that are used to direct and support the first
responders in all types of incidents and engagements. The MIAS
provides self-configuring capabilities, for both the radios and the
systems, and greatly enhances the effectiveness and utilization of
the first responders during engagements, ultimately saving victims
lives and/or valuable assets. Existing radio handsets and legacy
communications systems can be utilized with the MIAS system.
[0047] The MIAS of an embodiment provides but is not limited to the
following: three-dimensional field presentation of control
information with location, tracking and knowledge base, voice and
data and field intelligence combined for situation knowledge,
inter/intra-agency communications and coordination at the scene,
dynamic visual presentation of activities at the scene in real
time, and self-configuring network capability to provide a common
incident channel for responders. The features of the MIAS include
but are not limited to the following: low cost, light-weight
clip-on device, fully automatic operation, automatically locates
and tracks all firefighters, provides interoperable communications
at the incident scene, records all local tactical voice
communications, records all firefighter incident activities, and
stores and retrieves fire fighting procedures.
[0048] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an environment 100 including a
First Responder Communications System (FRCS), under an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing components of the FRCS, under the
embodiment of FIG. 1. The FRCS, also referred to as the Mobile
Incident Accountability System (MIAS) or the Facility Incident
Accountability System (FIAS), provides inter-agency and
intra-agency communications at the incident scene among first
responders including fire, police, border patrol, emergency medical
service, safety, and/or other agencies. The FRCS also supports
communication among multiple on-scene agencies and various command
and control personnel at the incident scene, also referred to as
Incident Command, and increases situational awareness by
automatically providing position information as well as other
sensor information.
[0049] The interoperable communications capability provided by the
FRCS is unique and comprehensive at the incident area in contrast
to all of the typical communications systems used by the various
types of responders. FIG. 2A shows a FAAS emergency communications
model 200, under an embodiment. The FAAS emergency communications
model can use components of the FRCS described with reference to
FIG. 2 to operate in the environment 100 described with reference
to FIG. 1. As an ad hoc wireless system, the FRCS can link all
responders together and allow them to communicate in the incident
area. This provides true interoperability in the incident area,
including the responders that do not have handheld radios or that
can not use the standard radios due to the type of activity or
sensitive environment.
[0050] Components of the FRCS of an embodiment integrate multiple
communications channels including, but not limited to, High
Frequency (HF), Very High Frequency (VHF), Ultra High Frequency
(UHF)/microwave, cellular, satellite, and Public Switched Telephone
Network (PSTN). The FRCS also provides position and time
information via Global Positioning System (GPS) and/or other
positioning systems, and data from deployed and/or personal sensors
to provide enhanced communications, command and control
capabilities to the first responders and incident command.
[0051] The various functions provided by the FRCS of an embodiment
can be provided by any number or combination of components of the
FRCS system, and is not limited to being provided as described
below. Further, the routing of information/data through the FRCS
system can be via any number or combination of components of the
FRCS system, and is not limited to the routings described below.
Likewise, the processing of information/data by the FRCS system can
be performed by any number or distributed among any combination of
components of the FRCS system, and is not limited to the processing
locations described below.
[0052] In the following description, numerous specific details are
introduced to provide a thorough understanding of, and enabling
description for, embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the
relevant art, however, will recognize that the invention can be
practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with
other components, systems, etc. In other instances, well-known
structures or operations are not shown, or are not described in
detail, to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.
[0053] The FRCS of an embodiment, with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG.
2, includes a command and control system 10000 and field devices
20000, but is not so limited. Each first responder is equipped with
a field device 20000 that includes a portable or mobile wireless
transceiver device 21000 operating on at least one interoperable
frequency, as described in detail below. The portable or mobile
device 21000, also referred to as a responder accountability device
21000, includes worn devices and handheld radios, but is not so
limited. As each first responder, also referred to as a responder
or responder personnel, arrives on scene they can immediately
communicate with each other and with the on-scene incident
commander via the field devices 20000 and components of the command
and control system 10000. As additional responders arrive or are
dispatched to the scene, they become part of the on-scene
commander's team, with instant communications in a self-configuring
network formed by the command and control system 10000 and the
field devices 20000, as described in detail below.
[0054] Components of the FRCS also support commanders organizing
teams into specific subgroup teams for purposes of communicating
about specific team tasks. As an example, fire fighters entering a
building can communicate and coordinate with police and hazardous
material (hazmat) teams outside the building using specific
communication channels set automatically by the commander. However,
all on-scene personnel are able to communicate with each other, as
necessary.
[0055] The radios 21000 of an embodiment operate using both line of
sight communications (VHF and/or UHF, SHF) ground wave short wave
communications (HF), to name a few, thereby increasing the
reliability of in-building or incident scene communications within
the team and to the on-scene commander. The devices or radios
automatically select communication bands/frequencies using signal
information of the bands so that the best signal band is always
being used. Each of the radios 21000 includes at least one
position/location system that uses GPS technology 150. Components
of the devices or radios 21000 including the position system
transfer or transmit a position of each individual first responder
to the commander. In one embodiment, the location is transmitted as
data simultaneously with each voice communication from the
responder. The position is also transmitted periodically via
data-only transmissions using a pre-specified period, but is not so
limited.
[0056] The accountability devices or radios 21000 also include or
are coupled to at least one sensor 22000. The sensors 22000 provide
additional data to incident commanders about the first responder
and/or the environment. As an example, the sensors 22000 can
provide biometric information on the health/vital signs of the
first responders as well as providing alerts regarding a fire
(using heat and/or smoke sensors) and/or gunshots (using frequency
sensors). Additional robot sensor devices (not shown) that
communicate among the devices or radios and the incident commander
can be dropped or placed on the scene as desired.
[0057] The command and control system 10000 of the FRCS of an
embodiment is a separate unit or subsystem, but is not so limited.
The command and control system 10000 is portable and can be
installed in vehicles so that whoever first arrives at an incident
scene can assume the oversight command and control function. The
command and control system 10000 includes a computer system or
portable system controller 12000, a multi-band radio transceiver
13000, and a portable command terminal 11000, but is not so
limited.
[0058] The portable command terminal 11000 can be an existing
public safety terminal like ones in use for mobile data
communications and display. The portable command terminals 11000 of
various alternative embodiments can be a rugged portable or laptop
computer.
[0059] The portable system controller 12000 enables the
self-configuring network among the command and control system 10000
and the field devices 20000 as well as the allocation of groups or
teams. Further, the portable system controller 12000 controls the
accountability or radio transceiver 13000. The device/radio
transceiver 13000 also includes additional communication
frequencies known in the art as well as cellular telephone
capabilities. The portable system controller 12000 includes a
number of command and control functions, some of which include
keyword recognition that functions to decode police and fire
ten-code numbers in near real-time and automatically recognize the
level of threat or seriousness of a situation.
[0060] Additionally, the portable system controller 12000 includes
numerous knowledge-based scenarios in a database. These
knowledge-based scenarios are used by the command and control
system 10000 to generate predictions as to the likely progression
of an incident, generate and/or activate situation checklists along
with lists of needed resources, and provide the predictions and
checklists to key first responder personnel in near real-time. As
such, the command and control system 10000 enables efficient and
rapid deployment of resources at an incident site. These functions
also enable the on-scene command personnel to be highly effective
by taking advantage of these scenarios and past lessons learned
from the knowledge database.
[0061] As an example in operation, and with reference to FIG. 1,
each first responder carries a field device 20000 that includes at
least one radio 21000 operating on an interoperable radio frequency
at the incident area 102 and 104. Two incident areas 102 and 104
are depicted for this example in which FRCS system 3 and FRCS
system 4 operate, respectively, but the FRCS is not limited to
operation in two incident areas.
[0062] As each first responder individual arrives on scene they can
immediately communicate with each other and with the on-scene
incident commander via their field devices 20000 and the command
and control system 10000. As additional responders arrive or are
dispatched to the scene, they become part of the on scene
commander's team, with instant communications in a self-configuring
network 100. The responder radios 21000 operate on HF/VHF/UHF
interoperable radio frequencies, but can also support other
communication mediums and protocols. The responder radios 21000 can
simultaneously use more than one communication band at a time.
[0063] A unique 802.11x peer-to-peer self-configuring ad hoc
wireless network with multi-hop or mesh network routing of data
packets enables the multicast addressing of an embodiment by
automatically connecting each responder radio 21000 in the network
to other responder radios 21000 and field devices 20000 and
treating each device as a single network node, using UHF or higher
bands (e.g., 902-2400) to make the connection. Other non-802.11x
radio devices including single channel or multichannel device can
also be used in an embodiment to establish and maintain a wireless
ad hoc mesh network protocol (e.g., 900 MHz, 400 MHz, and/or 2.4
GHz etc.).
[0064] The responder devices include a primary radio and
corresponding channels that function as described herein.
Additionally, the responder devices include backup or alternate
radio frequency bands and data messaging that are automatically
deployed under predetermined conditions. The predetermined
conditions for automatic deployment of the alternate bands and/or
messaging include detected radio link failure of the primary
channels. The responder devices use the alternate bands and/or
messaging to re-establish a mesh connection and notify the Incident
Commander via the incident commander GUI. The Incident Commander
can use the situational awareness information to judge whether use
of the alternative radio channel connectivity indicates presence of
some incident hazard (e.g. falling debris from overhead etc.). The
information can also be used to indicate deployment of responders
in a particularly non RF-friendly environment (e.g., a tunnel,
building basement, etc.).
[0065] Additionally, communications can be established between
various components of each of FRCS system 3 and FRCS system 4 and
various other organizations and/or locations. For example, the
command and control system 10000-A of FRCS system 3 can establish
communications with fire dispatcher 110 via coupling 112 and the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 130 via coupling 132.
Likewise, the command and control system 10000-B of FRCS system 4
can establish communications with the command and control system
10000-A of system 3 via coupling 106 and the police dispatcher 120
via coupling 124. As such, members of multiple response agencies
(police and fire in this example) at multiple incident sites are in
communication with one another. The couplings or communication
paths between the various components of the network 100 include
wireless connections, wired connections, and hybrid wireless/wired
connections, but are not so limited.
[0066] The responder radio 21000 includes a Multi-Band Intra-Team
Radio (MBITR) platform. Further, the responder radios 21000 support
peer-to-peer ad-hoc wireless networking, with multi-hop routing of
data packets among the nodes, where each radio 21000 forms a node.
Using this approach, routing tables are assembled at the receiving
end (command and control system 10000) and propagated back though
the nodes (field devices 20000). Each responder is tracked by a
unique global identifier such as a Media Access Control (MAC)
address provided the by an 802.11.times. beaconing function within
the peer-to-peer network.
[0067] The responder radios 21000 use a Voice over Internet
Protocol (VoIP) local area network (LAN) for data and audio
communications. Voice communications from the responder radio 21000
can pass to components of the command and control system 10000,
like the portable system controller 12000, and be converted into
text data for retransmission to the handheld computers 23000.
Likewise, output data from the sensors 22000 can register as an
alert on the responder radios 21000.
[0068] The responder radios 21000 provide location information
using enhanced geo-location technology 150 so that each responder's
location is transmitted to the incident commander at regular
intervals via components of the command and control system 10000.
The geo-location system includes a Global Positioning System (GPS)
receiver, but is not so limited. Alternative embodiments of the
responder radios can provide geo-location information using at
least one of the following technologies alone and/or in combination
with the GPS: acoustic ranging and triangulation; locally generated
RF signals external to an incident structure; external RF
infrastructure (e.g., frequency modulation (FM) broadcast signals
and/or television signals that enable line of bearing triangulation
into buildings for indoor positioning where GPS signals are
unreliable); wearable devices on the responder's person, clothes,
and equipment, for example micro-electromechanical system (MEMS)
gyroscopes, that provide additional geolocation input and
positioning data; ultra-wideband (UWB) RF microwave/millimeter wave
systems that automatically generate and transmit regular position
and position update messages; and barometric pressure devices.
[0069] The geo-location system, which is a component of and/or
coupled to the field devices 20000, automatically generates and
transmits regular position and position update messages to
components of the command and control system 10000, for example the
portable system controller 12000. The geo-location data is also
transmitted to the portable system controller 12000 each time the
transmitter of a responder radio is manually keyed. The responder
radios 21000 also include additional location sensors, sensors that
use acoustic and RF technologies for example, to increase the
reliability of position reporting for in-building communications.
The command and control system 10000 includes a mapping system that
presents the geographic location of each first responder in the
network to the incident commander on a two- or three-dimensional
map, as described below.
[0070] The responder radios 21000 of an embodiment automatically
forward select data to components of the command and control system
10000. In one embodiment, data is forwarded on an exception bases
where, for example, the data is associated with pre-specified
events like the presence of particular contaminants or recognition
of a suspect sound/frequency like a gun shot. In the responder
radio 21000 of this embodiment, a knowledge base is included in or
coupled to the responder radio and/or the sensor. The knowledge
base includes information of criteria triggers for the
pre-specified events of interest. Using the criteria trigger, when
an item being monitored reaches a pre-specified threshold, the data
associated with that item is forwarded to the command and control
system 10000 and also brought to the first responder's attention
using a synthesized voice or a display of the responder radio.
[0071] In another embodiment, the data is to be continuously
monitored and is therefore continuously forwarded from the
responder radio 21000/sensor 22000. Examples of continuously
monitored data include link margin parameters, first responder
biometric information like respiration, and/or first responder
location. The knowledge base used to evaluate the data is the
knowledge base of the command and control system 10000. The
knowledge base is used to generate alerts/notifications that a data
value/parameter has reached/exceeded a pre-specified threshold.
Further, the command and control system 10000 of this passive
monitoring embodiment logs the received data and interprets the
data for trend analysis to support predictive action instead of
reactive action.
[0072] As a further example of the network capabilities of the
FRCS, FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a communications network 300
established among multiple first responder communications systems
1-6, under an alternative embodiment of FIG. 1. This example builds
on the example described above with reference to FIG. 1 in that
FRCS system 3 and FRCS system 4 are now networked with additional
FRCS systems 1, 2, 5, and 6. In addition, the FRCS network is
coupled among systems and/or components that include a master
system 302, a functional specialist analysis system 304, and a
remote viewing system 306.
[0073] As an example, the master system can gather information of a
number of incident scenes from the FRCS network for presentation to
high-level officials and/or decision makers. The functional
specialist analysis system 304 can support various levels of
analysis of information gathered from the incident scenes, as
appropriate. The remote viewing system 306 supports the graphical
presentation of incident information at any number of viewing
sites. There are no geographical limitations on the locations or
proximities of the components of the FRCS network 300, and the
couplings or communication paths between the various components of
the network 300 include wireless connections, wired connections,
and hybrid wireless/wired connections, but are not so limited.
[0074] FIGS. 4/1 and 4/2 are a block diagram showing components of
the command and control system 10000 and field devices 20000 of the
FRCS, under the embodiment of FIG. 2. As described with reference
to FIG. 1, the FRCS includes a command and control system 10000
coupled among numerous field devices 20000. The command and control
system 10000 provides a three-dimensional graphical representation
of an incident, including locations of structures, assets, and
personnel, along with a centralized command, control, and
communications interactive environment.
[0075] The command and control system 10000 includes a portable
system controller 12000 coupled among at least one of a portable
command terminal 11000, keyword lookup engines, tables, and/or
systems 14000, command scenario systems or databases 15000, and
local storage devices 17000. Furthermore, the command and control
system 10000 of an embodiment is coupled among at least one command
and control transceiver 13000. The command and control system can
also couple to any number of external devices and systems known in
the art, for example, external storage devices 41000 and external
systems like expert systems and other analytical systems that
perform near real-time and post-event analysis of data collected
from/during an incident along with systems that generate training
scenarios.
[0076] The field devices 20000 of the FRCS include, but are not
limited to, first responder radios 21000, sensors 22000, and other
portable processor-based devices 23000, for example personal
digital assistants (PDAs), personal computers, cellular telephones,
mobile electronic devices, mobile communication devices, and other
portable computing devices. Different ones of the field devices
20000 couple in any number of combinations with various components
of the command and control system 10000 to provide for information
exchange through the FRCS.
[0077] The communication path between the components of the FRCS
including the field devices 20000 and the command and control
system 10000 includes wireless connections, wired connections, and
hybrid wireless/wired connections. The communication path also
includes couplings or connections to or through networks including
local area networks (LANs), metropolitan area networks (MANs), wide
area networks (WANs), proprietary networks, interoffice or backend
networks, and the Internet. Furthermore, the communication path
includes removable fixed mediums like floppy disks, hard disk
drives, and CD-ROM disks, as well as telephone lines, buses, and
electronic mail messages, but is not so limited.
[0078] The communications among responders can be in the form of
data, voice or non-voice, with the non-voice communications
including signaling data (commands, responses, etc.) and/or
navigation data (communicating direction, relative direction,
movements, actions, etc.). The purpose of the incident site
communications is for the incident commander and the responders to
exchange commands, directions, information and intelligence, and
various situations and conditions indicate the best form in which
to accomplish the desired task. The navigation communications
capability includes one or more colored indicators or lights on the
helmet or other equipment or protective clothing of the responder.
The colors of the indicators or lights can represent the fore, aft,
port and starboard orientations of a responder's helmet for
example, but are not so limited. The navigation system allows the
responders to communicate their location and direction of movement
in dark or smoke-filled environments where they would otherwise not
be able to see one another.
[0079] The communication protocols in use between the components of
the FRCS include forward error correction (FEC) and end of message
information, but are not so limited. Additional functions including
authentication, key authentication, and FEC encoder functionality
can also be included.
[0080] Components of the command and control system 10000 and the
field devices 20000 form a self-configuring network, but are not so
limited. In so doing, a portable command terminal 11000 belonging
to the on-scene commander in charge of the response team is
designated as the master or primary terminal, while all other
command terminals 11000 at the incident site are slave terminals to
the master terminal. This network configuration allows the response
effort to be directed and coordinated by a single authority while
allowing the slave terminals to monitor and control specific
detailed activities in the engagement area under the direction of
the master terminal/commander.
[0081] The FRCS uses a protocol to dynamically determine/assign
master and slave terminals. The slave terminals are ranked, with
the highest ranking terminal becoming a backup to the master
terminal. As the master terminal includes all situational
information, data, and logs associated with an incident, the
protocol backs up information of the master terminal in the backup
terminal, but is not so limited. A display on the terminal
indicates whether the terminal is a master or slave terminal. The
protocol also accounts for the seniority of the commander to whom
it is assigned as well as the agency and type of situation. The
protocol is executed each time a new terminal joins the system. As
such, a master terminal can be downgraded by the presence of
another command terminal belonging to a more senior authority.
[0082] Components of the command and control system form monitoring
groups for each responder radio at an incident site. As such, the
responder radios each store a list of other transmitters from which
communications are monitored. When a transmitter is on the
monitoring list of a responder radio, components of the responder
radio forward transmissions from that transmitter to the
speaker/display of the responder radio. The operator of a portable
command terminal, for example, specifies one or more monitoring
groups along with a monitoring radius for each radio/group, but is
not so limited. Further, the monitoring radius can be adjusted at
the responder radio. As responder radios enter/leave the proximity
of a monitoring group, the command terminal automatically updates
the monitoring list of the affected responder radios of the
group.
[0083] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the components of the command
and control system of the first responder communications system,
including the portable system controller 12000, the portable
command terminal 11000, and the command and control transceiver or
radio 13000, under the embodiment of FIG. 4. Each of these
components is described in detail below.
[0084] The portable system controller 12000 includes but is not
limited to a processor (not shown) running under the control of one
or more routines, programs, or algorithms. The portable system
controller 12000 couples among an operating system 502 and at least
one of a keyword database, system, or lookup table 14000, a command
scenario system or database 15000, a database or local storage
17000, and a messaging system or controller 16000. Additionally,
the portable system controller 12000 is coupled to any number of
external devices known in the art for coupling to processor-based
systems, including joysticks 504, keypads and data entry devices
506, displays 508, microphones 510, speakers 512, and headsets
514.
[0085] The keyword database 14000 receives information in the form
of messages from the responder radios and the sensors. Upon receipt
of the messages, the keyword database 14000 generates a voice or
text translation, as appropriate. The keyword database 14000 then
analyzes the contents of each message by comparing the received
information with predetermined combinations of codes (ten codes,
unique codes, etc.) and other information of interest to the
incident commander. The results (e.g., matches) of the lookup
operations are transferred to the command scenario database 15000,
but are not so limited. The contents of the keyword database 14000
are periodically updated.
[0086] The command scenario database 15000, also referred to as the
scenario database 15000, is populated using standard operating
procedures of the various responder agencies along with information
of the Incident Control System (ICS), the Emergency Management
Resources, and the analysis of post-incident reviews. As such, the
scenario database 15000 includes command scenarios and
predetermined responses that support providing advice to the
incident commander regarding possible actions to be taken during an
incident response. Information of the command scenarios provides
the benefit of the accumulated collective knowledge and past
experience to enhance the controls for future engagements. The
results of the lookup operations are received in the scenario
database 15000 where each result is compared to rules for
individual or collective actions.
[0087] The local database 17000 stores a log of the interactions
among the portable command terminal 11000, responder radios 21000,
and sensors 22000. The local database 17000, therefore, supports
post-incident reviews, analysis, and auditing of the response.
Further, training scenarios are built using the information of the
local database 17000.
[0088] The portable command terminal 11000, also referred to as the
control console 11000, provides near real-time visualization of an
incident using a three-dimensional graphical representation of the
engagement area. Shaped and colored icons provide ease of
recognition and interpretation of responders, assets, and status of
individuals and assets. The icons display the location of
responders/assets and allow for tracking of radio positions (and
therefore responders), assets, and sensors. The control console
11000 is based on a graphical user interface (GUI) for ease of
situational assessment, interaction, and consequent situational
awareness. Pop-ups are used in an embodiment to display near-real
time conditional changes of interest to the incident commander or
that require action, significantly enhancing attention to detail
and facilitating the automation of tasks. Alternative embodiments
can use any number of display technologies to display the control
information.
[0089] The control console 11000 includes at least one processor
(not shown) coupled among an operating system (not shown) and at
least one of a control package that supports various types of
incidents, sensors, pop-ups, and maps, but is not so limited. Local
command and control packages support numerous applications to
provide the control and coordination required for the corresponding
application. The control console 11000 provides current information
relating to each responder radio 21000 and enables the operator to
view the location and activity of each first responder with a
responder radio 21000 or field device 20000. The control console
11000 also supports communications with the responder radios 21000
via voice, short messaging including short messaging service (SMS)
and other text messaging services, non-voice signaling, and
light-emitting diode (LED) signaling. The control console 11000 is
hosted on a portable personal computer or other processor-based
device and provides full support of all technologies used in the
responder radios 21000.
[0090] The control console 11000 provides the local incident
commander with information concerning the personnel and activities
in an engagement, and the ability to direct actions and activities
and to assess the situation in order to bring it to a successful
conclusion. The control consoles 11000, using various combinations
of command and control system 10000 components, locate a position
of each of the responder radios and track the radio movements using
the appropriate location technology, for example, GPS, radio
frequency (RF) identification/direction finding (ID/DF), infrared
(IR) techniques, and/or numerous signaling techniques known in the
art.
[0091] Further, the control consoles support interactive
communications with the responder radios via one or more of the
following technologies: voice, short messaging, non-voice RF
signal, LCD indicator or sound, depending on the particular
situation. The control units provide both selective and broadcast
communications capability to the responder radios. The control
software enables the operator to automatically overlay the remote
positions on an area map appropriate to the incident, thereby
enabling the operator to direct the actions and activities of the
first responder personnel. This capability can be tailored for the
different situations encountered by the various types of first
responders (police, border patrol, firemen, etc.) both in terms of
the type of technologies available and the type of direction and
control that is required for the situation.
[0092] As in the case of the hardware, the software of the control
console 11000 is modular and, as such, provides flexibility and
capability in applications and incidents. The control consoles
11000 can receive and store various types of software and periodic
updates to maintain flexibility and maximum capability.
[0093] The portable command and control transceiver or radio 13000,
also referred to as the command radio 13000, includes communication
circuitry, antennas, and/or modems to support communication via any
number of protocols and frequency bands known in the art. For
example, the command radio 1300 of an embodiment supports HF, VHF,
UHF/microwave, cellular, satellite, and PSTN communications using
both analog and digital protocols. The command radio 13000 supports
individual, group (multicast), and broadcast communications with
the responder radios 21000.
[0094] The command radio 13000 transmits and receives on a common
frequency for all responders in order to provide an integrated
response by all response agencies. The command radio 13000 of an
embodiment uses the National Weather Service channel link for
selective responder alerting. Low power HF provides seamless backup
of VHF/UHF communications using the ground wave. The command radio
13000 also communicates via the transfer of packet data. In
addition, the command radio 13000 communicates using voice and data
messages.
[0095] Referring again to FIG. 4, the FRCS includes numerous field
devices 20000, including responder radios 21000 and sensors 22000,
as described above. The first responders will carry radio handsets
as they typically do when responding to an incident; but in
contrast to the typical responder radios currently in use, the
first responder radios 21000 provided herein communicate across
different functional units (i.e., fire to police, police to EMS,
etc.) via common channels and frequencies. FIG. 6 is a block
diagram of a first responder radio 21000, under the embodiment of
FIG. 4.
[0096] The responder radios 21000 transfer numerous types of
information. As such, the radios 21000 enable more control in
situations where numerous personnel are engaged in activities that
require their mutual and combined efforts, situations that include
but are not limited to police actions involving criminal chases or
searches, firefighter actions in burning structures, fighting
forest fires with heavy smoke and wind, border search and control,
rescue activities in fog or inclement weather, and emergency
evacuation situations.
[0097] Each of these situations and the corresponding differing set
of circumstances are supported by the responder radio 21000 of an
embodiment using of a variety of different technologies in order to
successfully accomplish the intended purpose. The responder radios
21000 support voice transmission and reception using a relatively
short-range radio (approximately two (2) to five (5) mile range,
for example). The responder radios 21000 of an embodiment also
support first responder position location using technologies
including GPS. Further, where first responders are likely to be in
locations where GPS accuracy degrades (for example, inside
structures) and/or accurate position tracking is desired, the
responder radios 21000 support position determination using RF
identification/direction finder (RFID/DF) technology. The responder
radios 21000 use a global unique identification number, such as a
Media Access Control (MAC) address, for identification and display
in the command console 11000 along with position information, but
are not so limited.
[0098] The responder radio 21000 includes at least one processor or
central processing unit (CPU) coupled among components including at
least one of signal processing devices, memory devices,
communication circuitry, transmitters, receivers, antennas, modems,
network systems, position systems, and encryption devices. The
processor of an embodiment includes a 32-bit processor.
Additionally, the responder radio 21000 couples to any number of
external devices known in the art for coupling to processor-based
communication systems, including displays, microphones, speakers,
headsets, keypads, joysticks, and other data entry devices.
[0099] The components of the responder radios support communication
via any number of protocols and frequency bands known in the art.
For example, the responder radio 21000 of an embodiment supports
HF, VHF, UHF/microwave, cellular, satellite, Bluetooth.TM. and
ZigBee communications using both analog and digital protocols. The
responder radio 21000 transmits and receives voice and data
messages on common frequencies for all responders in order to
provide an integrated response by all response agencies. The
responder radio 21000 of an embodiment receives selective alerts
via the National Weather Service channel link. Further, low power
HF provides seamless backup of VHF/UHF communications using the
ground wave. The responder radio 21000 also communicates via the
transfer of packet data. The responder radio 21000 self-configures
the communication channels to optimize data transmission, as
appropriate. The responder radios 21000 can be addressed
individually, as a group (multicast), or collectively as a whole
(broadcast) from other responder radios 21000 and the command and
control transceiver 13000. The responder radios 21000 are also
capable of transmitting and receiving packet data communication in
addition to voice.
[0100] As described above, the responder radios 21000 of an
embodiment support first responder position location using a GPS
receiver/locator. In certain scenarios where in-building structures
cause loss of signal (LOS) to the GPS receiver/locator, acoustic
and/or RF devices are used to pinpoint the exact geographical
location of each responder from inside the structure and send the
information to components of the command and control system
10000.
[0101] The network systems of the responder radio 21000 include a
Personal Area Network (PAN) system that forms the backbone that
links the various components of the FRCS and provides the
management of the control functions. The PAN utilizes USB as its
primary data transfer protocol, but is not so limited, thereby
providing for peer-to-peer operation without a computer.
[0102] The responder radios 21000 of an embodiment use
location-based multicast addressing, but are not so limited. This
multicast group IP addressing scheme is used to map the individual
positions of each responder radio within the incident scene to a
corresponding virtual location on the wireless PAN using the IP
address of the radio 21000. This mapping component enables the
incident commander to view the location of each responder radio
21000 on a map display.
[0103] A unique 802.11x or similar peer-to-peer self-configuring ad
hoc wireless network with multi-hop routing of data packets enables
the multicast addressing by automatically connecting each responder
radio 21000 in the network to other responder radios 21000 and
field devices 20000 and treating each device as a single network
node, using UHF or higher bands (e.g., 902-2400) to make the
connection. Each node or device 20000 is then assigned a unique
global identifier (MAC) along with a personal ID. Using this
approach, routing tables are assembled at the command and control
system 10000 and propagated back though the nodes (responder
radios). Each responder is then tracked by the global identifier.
The MAC ensures that not only the command and control packets sent
by the portable system controller 12000 are differentiated, but
more important, that differentiation is effective among the packets
sent by all other field devices 20000 on the network as well.
[0104] The peer-to-peer self-configuring network is unique because
the two basic MAC classes of service packets are modified to
improve reliability and accuracy. The two basic classes of service
supported by MAC are RES packets for routing control and messages,
and BE packets for best effort MAC service. However, use of these
classes of service often results in routing updates and maintenance
packets that are delayed or lost, causing time-consuming routing
updates and a slow network reporting. For this reason, the FRCS
uses a modified MAC that makes all routing packets high quality
priority packets, thus ensuring timely updates and a higher quality
of data sharing between nodes. This modified MAC packet structure
thus allows communication among all devices on the network with a
higher degree of reliability and accuracy.
[0105] Priority signal routing on the network is controlled by the
portable system controller 12000. The portable system controller
keeps track of all responder and device activities, both data and
voice, and performs an automated analysis using the sensor
inputs.
[0106] Additional accessories of the FRCS can improve
communications, thereby enhancing the self-configuring network in
enclosed areas such as high-rise buildings, tunnels, and large
complexes (shopping malls, power plants, and corporate campus
areas). The accessories include, for example, leaky cable systems
(which can be pre-installed), and field-deployable repeater
terminals (the remote field deployable terminals contain sensors
and communications repeater functions). Even in those instances
where leaky cables are not available and remote field deployable
terminals are not practical, the standard terminal functionality
including HF, alternate channel communications, and
self-configuring and voting receivers capabilities, enhance the
FRCS beyond typical solutions.
[0107] As an example, a specification follows for the responder
radio 21000, under the FRCS of an embodiment, but the responder
radio 21000 is not limited to these parameters alone or in
combination: Radio Handset Capability; Two way voice
communications, AM/FM; Range up to 5 miles outdoors/250,000 sq. ft.
or 20 floors indoors; Operates on 30-512, 700-1000 MHz, HF/VHF/UHF,
2.4 or 5.8 GHz, frequencies in contiguous 5 and 6.25 kHz steps;
Priority scan, 1 channel; Voice-activated, hands-free operation
(VOX) capability; Transmit Output Power up to 5 watts, user
selectable; Audio up to 400 mw depending on level setting; Designed
to Mil-Spec 810 and IP54 Specifications; Interoperability capable;
Multi-channel operation with (38 Analog and 83 Digital)
Interference Eliminator Codes; 3 Scramble Settings To Reduce
Eavesdropping; Channel Scan With Selectable Scan List; Backlit
keypad and interlock; 3 Audible Call Tones; VOX sensitivity--3
level settings; Cloning Compatible (Multi-Unit Charger Required);
Panic Button; Short message mode; Time of day clock w on/off timer;
Weather Frequency monitoring, with alert capability; Supports Power
Management Mode; Supports Differential GPS (RTCM Input); 7.5 Volt,
3000 mAH Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery; AM emergency tone
beacon; Backup battery input for Real Time Clock; Drop-In Charger
Compatible; Weight--30.6 ounces (868 gm) with Lithium-Ion Battery;
6-Pin Multi function top connector; 10-Pin Multi function top
connector; 18-Pin Multi function side accessory plug for extended
upgrades; Backup Battery holder for 5 non rechargeable AA
batteries; Standard use Duty Cycle (8.1.1); Current 200 mA receive;
50 mA receive on power saver; Rapid 6-Hour Plug-In Charger; Radio
Holster With three-inch Spring Clip; Diversity antennas 30-512 MHz,
blade antennas for 2.4 GHz and/or 5.8 GHz; 802.11x or similar
wireless peer-to-peer self configuring communications system.
[0108] As an example, a specification follows for the GPS locator,
under the FRCS of an embodiment, but the GPS locator is not limited
to these parameters alone or in combination: Passive or active
antenna; High Performance 16 Channel Receiver; Differential
Corrections supported; RTCM SC104 R2.1; Very Low Power; 52 mA @ 3.3
VDC full satellite tracking operation; Wide operating temperature
range -40 C. to +85 C.; Receiver sensitivity -141 dbm; WAAS
capability.
[0109] The field devices 20000 also include sensors, as described
above. The sensors provide data to the command and control system
10000 on various parameters including, but not limited to,
environmental conditions, first responder biometric information
like vitals, vehicle and other asset status, and situational
developments. Each sensor uses a global unique identification
number, such as a MAC address, for identification and display in
the command console 11000.
[0110] The sensors are deployed in various forms and can be
configured to transmit data based on differing rules. For example,
sensors can be incorporated into the responder radios 21000 to
monitor the immediate environment of the responder. Further,
sensors can be carried in/on responder vehicles in order to monitor
critical information around and related to the vehicle. Moreover,
sensors can be attached to the responders and/or the responder's
clothing/equipment to monitor the individual vitals. Additionally,
groups of sensors can be deployed by other means throughout the
engagement area to monitor the incident environment.
[0111] The FRCS uses any number of sensors known in the art to
measure a variety of parameters. Also, the sensor suite included in
a responder radio 21000 can be tailored to particular responder
activities (police, border control, safety, fire, forest fire,
etc). As an example, the FRCS of an embodiment uses the following
sensors: smoke (potential fire, danger); radiation (HAZMAT danger);
moisture (environmental condition); biological agents (HAZMAT
danger); flow meter (water flow in fire hoses, pumps, tunnels or
similar areas subject to flooding); ambient temperature (potential
fire, explosion, combustible area); responder body temperature
(responder condition, physical problem, fear, danger); pressure
(shockwave); proximity (movement, activity); responder pulse rate
(responder vitals, physical condition, fear, danger);
vibration/motion (senses vehicle movement, structure collapse);
equipment status (vehicle condition); motion (vehicle movement,
suspect movement); tachometer (vehicle condition); sound/frequency
(gun shot, explosion, vehicle engine, movement); head position
(field of vision, blind spot); gas/vapor (carbon monoxide);
chemicals (HAZMAT danger); visibility/visible light level
(environmental condition); camera (situational status, suspect
tracking); frequency scanners (monitor suspect radio
communications); light (environmental condition).
[0112] FIG. 7 is a block diagram 700 showing the information flow
from a portable command terminal 11000 to a first responder radio
21000, under the embodiment of FIG. 4. FIG. 8 is a block diagram
800 showing the information flow from a first responder radio 21000
to a portable command terminal 11000, under the embodiment of FIG.
4. Generally, the information flow includes the responder radios
21000 and/or field devices 20000 exchanging information with
components of the command and control system 10000 using voice
information, data (in the form of short messages), keystroke
combinations, and GPS information.
[0113] Information from the responder radios, upon receipt at the
command and control system 10000, is provided to the keyword
database, as described above. A lookup is run for ten-codes and
other unique codes and/or code combinations. Sensor data is also
provided to the keyword database and compared against sensor codes
and sensor combinations pre-populated into the database. The
results of comparisons run in the keyword database are provided to
the scenario database where they are compared to predetermined
responses, command scenarios, triangulation scenarios, information
of the Incident Control System, and Emergency Management Resources.
Both the keyword database and the scenario database are updated by
downloading information for each engagement type from existing or
new systems, where the information includes standard operating
procedures, checklists, and the Incident Control System, for
example.
[0114] The keyword database/system uses a responder-/user-specific
set of keywords in conjunction with both a user identification (ID)
and sensor inputs to generate a "short message" that triggers a
look-up table at the portable command terminal. The look-up table
includes information of appropriate responses and actions. The
keyword database/system recognizes a set of pre-established command
scenarios that include possible responses to an incident and
provides corresponding control inputs to the commander in charge to
assist in decision making. The combination of responder/user inputs
identifies both the user and the type of action requested. The
keyword system responds with a coded reply in the form of a display
or synthesized voice to acknowledge understanding of the action
requested. The specific set of keywords and look-up table responses
are unique to both the type of user (police, firefighter,
emergency, safety, etc.) and the particular situation (search,
structure fire, forest fire, aircraft crash, etc.). The terminal
operator downloads a look-up table and the specific keywords to be
recognized for the type of engagement and user at the beginning of
each engagement. When a responder radio issues a keyword (along
with the other inputs) the keyword automatically generates a block
of requests or actions to the console operator and a specific icon
on the command terminal associated with the handset user's ID for
quick identification and response. The terminal operator sends an
acknowledgement in the form of a keyword to the user of the action
taken. Keywords also integrate ten-codes, or aural brevity codes,
with other pertinent sensor data to convey more detailed
information about a given situation or condition.
[0115] The command terminal analyzes and combines keyword inputs
from multiple responder radios at the incident site to better
understand the situation and to direct appropriate action. The
command terminal operator can broadcast keyword responses to
multiple or individual responder radios as required. Keywords
issues at a responder radio can also be relayed through the command
terminal, resulting in the issuance of verbal commands to other
responder radios at the incident site.
[0116] The scenario database subsequently or simultaneously
provides data to the command console. The command console displays
the responder activities and all other information related to the
engagement on a display, for example a GUI. A history is built from
the sensor inputs, the scenario database, and the responder and
engagement activities to provide predictive as well as recommended
courses of action to the commander via pop-up displays. The actions
taken via the command console could be in response to an action
request, or a command activity to prevent or react to a situation.
These actions can be manual or automated (with the capability to
modify or override by the commander), voice or data, and
transmitted to an individual, group of individuals (multicast), or
broadcast to all the responders collectively.
[0117] The engagement history, all action requests and responses,
commands and sensor inputs are stored locally in the local database
17000 for use in generating post-incident reports and analysis.
Other storage devices/locations external to the command and control
system 10000 can also be used for redundancy and survivability. The
analysis results can be used for responder training and for
inclusion into the keyword database and the scenario database.
[0118] The command and control system 10000 of an embodiment, as
described above, uses automatic pop-up messages/graphics and
predictive alert messages to provide information of the incident.
Further, numerous checklists can be displayed via displayed menus
in order to help the incident commander ensure that no checklist
items are skipped during an incident. The command and control
system 10000 supports use of checklists consistent with, for
example, the California Fire Services Field Operations Guide (ICS
420-1), but is not so limited. The various graphics and messages
provided by the command and control system 10000 provide the
incident commander with the steps necessary to react to
emergencies.
[0119] Examples follow of checklists and checklist items that are
available via displayed menus of the command and control system
10000, for example drop-down menus to the Incident Commander. The
command and control system 10000 includes, but is not limited to:
checklists of common responsibilities for ICS personnel; unit
leader responsibilities; Multi-Agency Coordination System (MACS)
checklists, including responsibilities of the MACS Group
Coordinator; Area Command Position Checklists including checklists
for the Area Commander, the Assistant Area Commander Planning, the
Assistant Area Commander Logistics, and the Area Command Aviation
Coordinator; Command Position Checklists including checklists for
the Incident Commander, the Information Officer, the Liaison
Officer, the Agency Representative, and the Safety Officer;
Operations Position Checklists including checklists for the
Operations Section Chief, the Branch Director, the Division/Group
Supervisor, the Strike Team Task Force Leader, the Single Resource,
the Staging Area Manager, the Air Operations Branch Director, the
Air Tactical Group Supervisor, the Helicopter Coordinator, the Air
Tanker/Fixed Wing Coordinator, the Air Support Group Supervisor,
the Helibase Manager, the Helispot Manager, the Mixmaster, the Deck
Coordinator, the Loadmaster, the Parking Tender, the Takeoff and
Landing Controller, the Helibase Radio Operator, and the Helicopter
Timekeeper; and Planning Position Checklists including checklists
for the Planning Section Chief, the Planning Process, the Resources
Unit Leader, the Check-In/Status Recorder, the Situation Unit
Leader, the Display Processor, the Field Observer, the Weather
Observer, the Documentation Unit Leader, and the Demobilization
Unit Leader.
[0120] Continuing with examples of checklists and checklist items
that are available via displayed menus of the command and control
system 10000, the command and control system 10000 also includes,
but is not limited to: Logistics Position Checklists including
checklists for the Logistics Section Chief, the Service Branch
Director, the Communications Unit Leader, the Incident Dispatcher,
and the Fireline Emergency Medical Technician; Hazardous Materials
Position Checklists including checklists for the Hazardous
Materials Group Supervisor, the Entry Leader, the Decontamination
Leader, the Site Access Control Leader, the Assistant Safety
Officer-Hazardous Materials, the Technical Specialist-Hazardous
Materials, and the Safe Refuge Area Manager; Multi-Casualty
Position Checklists including checklists for the Multi-Casualty
Branch Director, the Medical Group/Division Supervisor, the Triage
Unit Leader, the Treatment Unit Leader, the Air/Ground Ambulance
Coordinator; and High Rise Structure Fire Position Checklists
including checklists for the Base Manager, the Ground Support Unit
Leader, the Lobby Control Unit Leader, the Systems Control Unit
Leader, the Staging Area Manager, the Medical Unit Leader, and the
Safety Officer.
[0121] The predictive alert capability allows the incident
commander to track firefighters until they enter a building, and
then provides a clock depiction of how long the firefighter remains
in the building, based upon the oxygen in his tank upon entry. As
the firefighter's oxygen is depleted an alert will flash,
indicating that it is time for the firefighter to leave the scene
and go to the rehabilitation area.
[0122] Predictive alerts are also presented to the incident
commander from information of the sensors that are in use at the
incident scene. Numerous sensors can provide information that
supports the display of alerts to the incident commander including,
but not limited to: smoke, moisture, pressure, temperature,
proximity, vibration, motion, sound, gas, chemicals, radiation,
biological, flow meter, pulse rate, run status, tachometer, head
position, external source, video, camera, scanner, visibility, and
light.
[0123] The FRCS of an embodiment provides the functions described
above using at least one processor running under control of one or
more algorithms, programs, or routines. In particular, and with
reference to FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, the algorithms include algorithms
controlling the messaging controller or system 16000, the storage
or database system 17000, the knowledge system that includes the
keyword database or system 14000 and the command scenario database
or system 15000, and the user interface. FIGS. 9-32 show various
block diagrams and flow diagrams of the FRCS of an embodiment.
[0124] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of communication message handling
in the first responder communications system, under the embodiment
of FIG. 4. FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of message routing in the
first responder communications system, under the embodiment of FIG.
9. FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of message parsing in the first
responder communications system, under the embodiment of FIG. 9.
FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of message route path determination in
the first responder communications system, under the embodiment of
FIG. 9. FIG. 13 is a flow diagram of message cueing in the first
responder communications system, under the embodiment of FIG. 9.
FIG. 14 is a flow diagram for storing messages in the first
responder communications system, under the embodiment of FIG. 9.
FIG. 15 is a flow diagram for handling synchronization (sync)
messages in the first responder communications system, under the
embodiments of FIGS. 9 and 14.
[0125] FIG. 16 is a flow diagram for self-configuring a network
including the first responder communications system, under the
embodiment of FIG. 9. FIGS. 17 and 18 are flow diagrams for
self-configuring a command and control hierarchy in the first
responder communications system, under the embodiment of FIG. 9.
FIG. 19 shows flow diagrams for handling "path found" and "alert"
messages in the first responder communications system, under the
embodiment of FIG. 9. FIG. 20 is a flow diagram for processing
received messages in the first responder communications system,
under the embodiment of FIG. 19. FIG. 21 is a flow diagram for
performing text-to-voice message conversion in the first responder
communications system, under the embodiment of FIG. 19. FIG. 22 is
a flow diagram for sensor timer checks in the first responder
communications system, under the embodiment of FIG. 19. FIG. 23 is
a flow diagram for updating data crumbs in the first responder
communications system, under the embodiment of FIG. 19. FIG. 24 is
a flow diagram for processing data crumbs in the first responder
communications system, under the embodiment of FIG. 19. FIG. 25 is
a flow diagram for sending data crumbs in the first responder
communications system, under the embodiment of FIG. 19.
[0126] FIG. 26 is a flow diagram for processing keyword information
of messages in the first responder communications system, under the
embodiment of FIG. 9. FIG. 27 is a flow diagram for user interface
(UI) message parsing in the first responder communications system,
under the embodiment of FIG. 9. FIG. 28 is a flow diagram for
graphical user interface (GUI) message parsing in the first
responder communications system, under the embodiments of FIGS. 9
and 27. FIG. 29 is a flow diagram for text user interface message
parsing in the first responder communications system, under the
embodiments of FIGS. 9 and 27. FIG. 30 is a flow diagram for audio
user interface message parsing in the first responder
communications system, under the embodiments of FIGS. 9 and 27.
FIGS. 31 and 32 are flow diagrams for graphical user interface
(GUI) updating in the first responder communications system, under
the embodiment of FIG. 9.
[0127] The messaging system of the FRCS generally includes at least
one message router and at least one message parser, as described
above, and with reference to FIGS. 2, 4, 5, and 9-32. Regarding the
message router, all information flows throughout the systems and
components of the FRCS in the form of messages. Each
component/system of the FRCS is aware of every other
component/system and knows the best route path for each message
type to reach its target. Each message received is copied to each
other component/system in the listen-to list or publish-to list. In
addition, each message is forwarded to the message parser. Further,
the message router keeps a log of each message, to the limit of
available memory, and makes a decision for each message received if
it has already been handled, and if so, dropped from the cue to
prevent further processing. The message parser, upon receipt of a
message, forwards a copy of the message to each of the other major
software systems, storage, knowledge, GIS, ICS.
[0128] The storage system of the FRCS, as described above, and with
reference to FIGS. 2, 4, 5, and 9-32, keeps a copy in local storage
of each message received by the components/systems of the FRCS.
Upon startup, the storage system requests updated information
meeting the scenario, range and time specifications. The storage
system is capable of replying to an update request message of a
requester or requesting device by returning all message traffic
within the scenario, range, and time specification of the
requester.
[0129] The knowledge system of the FRCS generally includes at least
one self-configuring command and control system, at least one
voice-to-text/text-to-voice (TTV/VTT) system, at least one pattern
recognition system, and at least one text recognition system, as
described above, and with reference to FIGS. 2, 4, 5, and 9-32. The
command and control system includes at least one database that
allows an operator to specify the command priority of each device
and, in the absence of an operator, determines the command priority
based on preexisting data. The command and control system further
includes a user interface that is provided in the ICS system. As
devices are added and removed from the network, the CNC system
automatically changes the command priority of active devices.
[0130] The TTV/VTT system of an embodiment receives each message or
a copy of each message routed to the knowledge system. The TTV/VTT
system updates received messages by appending either the audio
version of the message or the text version of the message to the
message, as appropriate. After the message is updated, it is passed
back to the message parser.
[0131] The pattern recognition system also receives each message or
a copy of each message routed through the FRCS system and performs
at least one comparison on the received messages. When the
comparisons result in a match, the knowledge system generates a new
message with the additional information and passes this message
back to the message parser.
[0132] Likewise, the text recognition system or filter receives
each message or a copy of each message routed through the FRCS
system and performs at least one comparison on the received
messages. When the comparisons result in a match, the knowledge
system generates a new message with the additional information and
passes this message back to the message parser.
[0133] The user interface system of the FRCS generally includes at
least one physical interface, at least one audio interface, and at
least one visual interface, as described above, and with reference
to FIGS. 2, 4, 5, and 9-32. Each of the physical, audio, and visual
interfaces receives a copy of each message routed through the FRCS
system. The physical interface includes keyboard, mouse, and
vibrator components, but is not so limited. The audio interface
includes microphone and speaker components, but is not so
limited.
[0134] The visual interface of an embodiment includes visual
indicators like LEDs and strobe lights in addition to the GIS
system and ICS system. The visual interface manages and controls
the on/off state as well as the intensity of the visual indicators
in response to messages received by the visual interface.
[0135] The GIS system includes a map of GIS and facilities data
along with the capability to display environmental information and
unit information. The map can display GIS and facilities
information and, further, can provide a sand table to enable the
user to manually add facilities information. The sand table
supports an operator selecting various templates of facilities
information and adding these to the map. The structures at an
incident area can be generated and displayed as three-dimensional
wire frame structures to conserve memory, reduce the data storage
requirements, increase the speed of retrieval and to allow the
incident commander to see and track the movements of the responders
inside the structure.
[0136] The GIS displays include static geographical information
including but not limited to mountains, streams, and trees. The
facilities displays include static geographical information like
buildings, roads, bridges, for example.
[0137] The display of environmental information includes the
display of non-unit specific sensor information. Examples include a
heat log where multiple location specific temperature readings are
combined into a histogram of area temperature information.
[0138] The display of unit information includes the ability to
display information of multiple units. Each unit includes an avatar
to display physical information and a breadcrumb trail to display
history of location. The avatar includes an avatar object along
with various sensor display outputs, as appropriate. The avatar
object is an icon used to identify the unit and includes color,
shape, and size information to depict other information of the
unit. Each display of unit-specific sensor data is represented with
a graphical object. The bread crumb trail provides a visual track
of the physical location of a unit.
[0139] The ICS system includes at least one task tracker and at
least one asset tracker, but is not so limited. Depending on the
message received by the ICS, indicators and pop-ups are provided as
a guide for the incident commander or operator.
[0140] The task tracker includes a library of action items and
information made available to the operator. A table of contents
provides convenient access to the library by providing an index for
the operator to find the information for which he/she is
looking.
[0141] For each task there is a list of information organized in a
task list that is made available to the operator. The task list can
provide the ability for the operator to enter data, but is not so
limited. When data is entered into the task list by the operator,
the entered data is transferred to the messaging system for
disposition.
[0142] The asset tracker includes an asset list that supports
operator viewing/modifying of detailed information relating to the
assets, where each asset corresponds to a unit in the GIS. The
operator has the ability to specify the command priority of each
asset.
[0143] As a key portion of the FRCS capabilities will be used to
alert responders to impending danger and to evacuate the area, much
capability is dedicated to the reliable assurance that an
evacuation alert or paging signal is received and confirmed. A
visual alerting system used on the responder helmet and/or face
shield together with the other functions of the system to enable a
responder to see in peripheral vision range, indications of
evacuation or directional commands from the incident commander for
rescue or evacuation etc. The FRCS of an embodiment includes a
heads-up display (HUD) including one or more LEDs and/or LCDs and a
signal receiver that attaches to a face shield or windshield
(shield) of a responder's helmet or head gear. The HUD receives
instructions via an electromagnetic or sonic signal from a
transmitter connected to a computer or other source, and displays
one or more symbols representative of the received instructions on
the HUD.
[0144] The FRCS of an embodiment also displays visual
communications using four navigation lights or indicators (e.g.,
LEDs) mounted on the outside of the helmet, with the appropriate
colors used to indicate fore and aft as well as port and starboard
directions. The navigation lights or indicators are connected to
the FRCS devices such that the incident commander can control the
intensity and flashing of the navigation lights. Thus the
navigation lights or indicators can be used for signaling or
navigation purposes.
[0145] The FRCS of an embodiment alerts responders to impending
danger using paging audio and vibration techniques. However, given
the extreme environment conditions in structural firefighting,
alternative embodiments of the FRCS include the visual alert
notification on or in the responder's helmet face shield. The
visual alert notification may be used alone or in combination with
other alert techniques. FIG. 33 shows a firefighter's headgear 3300
including a helmet 3302 and shield 3304 with representative
indicators 3306 that display or project symbols of the HUD on the
shield, under an embodiment. The indicators 3306 can be projected
or displayed on any portion of the shield 3304 in which they can be
seen and understood by the wearer and are not limited to the
positions shown in this example. Even when oxygen SCBA is not used
the face shield 3304 is attached to the helmet 3302 and can receive
from the FRCS components directions and alert information (e.g.,
evacuation alerts and instructions) in a visual form via projection
or display by the indicators 3306. The normal peripheral vision is
more acute or aware than direct vision or looking directly at some
object or light amidst smoke and dark conditions. Thus using
indicators 3306 that include at least one of light, light
projection, LEDs, LCDs, or other display technology along with
conventionally understood symbols, characters, shapes, colors, etc.
(e.g., red arrows) the assurance of directions or immediate
evacuation alerts can be signaled to responders in danger. Since
verbal communications inside the active area during an incident can
be either impossible or difficult, other methods of communication
can be used to insure that the responders can receive and act on
directions from their immediate supervisor or the Incident
Commander. Verbal or keystroke commands to the responders that
provide direction of movement, location of activity, relative
indication of danger, emergency or evacuation commands, incident
status or specific standard instructions can be converted to
signals that are sent over the wireless network to the responder(s)
device. The device will use that signal to drive the LED/OLED/or
other type display to show the basic direction, status and urgency
information using colors, arrows and shapes. The use of standard
shapes, such as arrows and other conventionally understood
indicators can quickly convey to the responder the pertinent
information. The use of the light source to
[0146] Additional accessories of the FRCS can improve
communications, thereby enhancing the self-configuring network in
enclosed areas such as high-rise buildings, tunnels, and large
complexes (shopping malls, power plants, and corporate campus
areas). The accessories include, for example, leaky cable systems
(which can be pre-installed), and field-deployable repeater
terminals (the remote field deployable terminals contain sensors
and communications repeater functions). Even in those instances
where leaky cables are not available and remote field deployable
terminals are not practical, the standard terminal functionality
including HF, alternate channel communications, and
self-configuring and voting receivers capabilities, enhance the
FRCS beyond typical solutions.
[0147] The portable communication device of an embodiment comprises
at least one of a network system that automatically assembles a
wireless network among other portable communication devices and
control devices in an area and automatically assigns a unique
identification number to each portable communication device, a
communication system that receives and transmits voice and data
communications over the wireless network using at least one of High
Frequency (HF) communications, Very High Frequency (VHF)
communications, Ultra High Frequency (UHF)/microwave
communications, cellular communications, satellite communications,
and Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) communications, a
positioning system that includes Global Positioning System (GPS)
components and at least one location sensor, the positioning system
automatically determining a position of the device periodically and
automatically transferring the position to at least one of the
control devices via the wireless network, and a visual alerting
system included in the responder equipment that provide visual cues
that enable a responder to see, in peripheral vision range,
indications of evacuation or directional commands from the incident
commander.
[0148] Aspects of the invention may be implemented as functionality
programmed into any of a variety of circuitry, including
programmable logic devices (PLDs), such as field programmable gate
arrays (FPGAs), programmable array logic (PAL) devices,
electrically programmable logic and memory devices and standard
cell-based devices, as well as application specific integrated
circuits (ASICs). Some other possibilities for implementing aspects
of the invention include: microcontrollers with memory (such as
electronically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM)),
embedded microprocessors, firmware, software, etc. In addition, the
device of an embodiment includes an RF transceiver (e.g., one-chip
transceiver, two-chip transceiver) with one or more blade antennas
and a GPS or other multifunctional GPS enhanced geolocation chip
set. The FAAS device supports various modulation techniques (for If
aspects of the invention are embodied as software at least one
stage during manufacturing (e.g. before being embedded in firmware
or in a PLD), the software may be carried by any computer readable
medium, such as magnetically- or optically-readable disks (fixed or
floppy), modulated on a carrier signal or otherwise transmitted,
etc.
[0149] Furthermore, aspects of the invention may be embodied in
microprocessors having software-based circuit emulation, discrete
logic (sequential and combinatorial), custom devices, fuzzy
(neural) logic, quantum devices, and hybrids of any of the above
device types. Of course the underlying device technologies may be
provided in a variety of component types, e.g., metal-oxide
semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) technologies like
complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS), bipolar
technologies like emitter-coupled logic (ECL), polymer technologies
(e.g., silicon-conjugated polymer and metal-conjugated
polymer-metal structures), mixed analog and digital, etc.
[0150] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout
the description and the claims, the words "comprise," "comprising,"
and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed
to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in a sense of
"including, but not limited to." Words using the singular or plural
number also include the plural or singular number respectively.
Additionally, the words "herein," "hereunder," "above," "below,"
and words of similar import, when used in this application, refer
to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions
of this application. When the word "or" is used in reference to a
list of two or more items, that word covers all of the following
interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of
the items in the list and any combination of the items in the
list.
[0151] The above descriptions of embodiments of the invention are
not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the
precise forms disclosed. While specific embodiments of, and
examples for, the invention are described herein for illustrative
purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the
scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will
recognize. The teachings of the invention provided herein can be
applied to other processing systems and communications systems, not
only for the communications systems described above.
[0152] The elements and acts of the various embodiments described
above can be combined to provide further embodiments. These and
other changes can be made to the invention in light of the above
detailed description.
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